CVE-2026-106186 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/06/2026
Uncontrolled search path element in CredentialProvider in Google Chrome on on Windows prior to 155.0.8059.39 allowed a local attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a local program. (Chromium security severity: Low)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as an uncontrolled search path element within the CredentialProvider component of Google Chrome on Windows operating systems prior to version 155.0.8059.39 represents a significant configuration flaw that undermines the integrity of the application's security model. This issue stems from how the software resolves dynamic link libraries or executable dependencies during runtime, specifically when loading components associated with credential management and authentication processes. In Windows environments, applications often rely on system-defined search paths to locate required DLLs if an absolute path is not explicitly provided for every dependency. When this process is not strictly controlled, it creates a window of opportunity for local attackers to manipulate the environment in which Chrome operates. The core technical flaw lies in the failure to enforce strict validation or explicit path specification when loading critical security modules, allowing the operating system's default search order to dictate library resolution rather than a secure, predefined location.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability allows a malicious actor with local access on the affected machine to potentially execute arbitrary code outside of Chrome’s sandboxed environment. The Windows Credential Provider is responsible for handling user authentication and credential storage, making it a high-value target for privilege escalation attacks. By exploiting the uncontrolled search path, an attacker can place a maliciously crafted DLL in a directory that precedes the legitimate system directories in the PATH variable or within a writable location that Chrome checks before secure locations. When Chrome attempts to load its credential provider components, it inadvertently loads the attacker-controlled library instead of the authentic one. This hijacking mechanism enables the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges associated with the user running the browser session, effectively bypassing the sandbox restrictions designed to contain potential exploits within a limited context.
This type of vulnerability is formally categorized under CWE-427, which describes Uncontrolled Search Path Element, and aligns with MITRE ATT&CK technique T1574.007, known as DLL Side-Loading via Hijacking. The attack vector relies on the principle that if an application searches for libraries in a directory controlled by a lower-privilege user before checking secure system directories, it becomes susceptible to hijacking. In this specific instance, because Chrome runs with standard user privileges but requires access to sensitive credential data, successfully loading a malicious DLL grants the attacker code execution capabilities that are not confined by the sandbox boundaries. This can lead to further compromise of the host system, including theft of stored passwords, session cookies, and other sensitive authentication tokens managed by the browser.
Mitigation for this vulnerability primarily involves updating Google Chrome to version 155.0.8059.39 or later, where the developers have addressed the path resolution logic within the CredentialProvider component. For organizations unable to patch immediately, implementing strict application control policies such as Microsoft AppLocker or Windows Defender Application Control can prevent unauthorized DLLs from loading in Chrome’s directory structure. Additionally, administrators should ensure that system PATH variables do not include writable directories for standard users and that group policy settings restrict the execution of untrusted binaries. Regular auditing of installed software dependencies and monitoring for unusual file creation events in browser installation directories can also aid in detecting potential exploitation attempts before they result in a full compromise.